Straight Stitch | Embroidery

Sometimes getting straight to the point is one of life’s great lessons. In this case, the point is a needle and the stitch is just straight. Taking a simple approach to decorative stitching and using the humble straight stitch will add a little flash brilliance to your sewing.

Is this a difficult stitch? Not a bit! The needle point goes into the material and straight out again to form the stitch – simple but effective.

What is Straight Stitch

The straight stitch is classified as a simple embroidery stitch made by creating a straight stitch that can be any length, but it must be straight.

The straight stitch is very versatile and sometimes called back stitch or even flat stitch, but its purpose is the same. Straightforward and easy on the hand this stitch will always be a winner to add just a few simple lines to enhance your work.

When to Use Straight Stitch Embroidery

The straight stitch can be used to add texture and creativity to an item. It is the perfect little addition for:

Enhancing a simple blouse or collar with some decorative detail.

Filling in an area of a design or shading with an outline stitch.

Adding density or closing in an area – often called satin stitch in this style.

Used in different directions the straight stitch makes beautiful starbursts, geometrical shapes and broken or unbroken lines.

It can add detail to artistic embroideries such as pictures and scenery.

Useful as detail to floral work and used in ribbon embroidery.

Adds detail to table wear and little girl’s dresses.

How to do Straight Stitch Embroidery

Start with your embroidery thread at the back of the fabric. A knot or double backstitch will secure the thread.

Make your first stitch by inserting the needle from the back of the fabric to the front.

Then create the stitch by inserting the needle some distance away from the beginning to take the stitch across some of the fabric.

Insert the needle into the fabric and pull it through to the back.

This action completes one stitch. Repeating the stitch and following different patterns will complete the design. You can combine your straight stitches to make flowers, leaves, stems and various shapes.

When you are ready to end off, pull the thread to the back of the fabric and knot or weave the thread into the back of the stitches.

Straight down the line, no hidden agenda, this is a great stitch for the novice who would like to add some decorative lines to their garment.